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Hack #81. Rescue an Unbootable System

When you've had a little too much fun with
your new Ubuntu system and it no longer boots, here are a few options to
get your computer back in running order.

If you are reading this hack, we want to offer you our
condolences. It can be stressful and upsetting when your system won't
boot. We're sure you are thinking right now about all of those files you
wished you backed up (We know this is a bad time, but once your system
is back up and running, you might want to check out "Back Up Your System" [Hack
#79]). We've certainly been in the same situation far too many
times, but so far we've also been able to bring our systems back to
life. While it would be impossible to cover every possible scenario that
might cause a system to no longer boot, we're going to go over how to
use the Ubuntu install CD in rescue mode to fix the problem and describe
some common rescue scenarios.

Boot into Rescue Mode

First, find your trusty Ubuntu install CD and reboot
your system to its initial boot screen. Among the number of options is
"Recover a broken system." Select this option, and Ubuntu will start
what appears at first to be the default installation program. You will
be prompted for some standard language and network settings as you are
during the installation, but these steps are only to set up the
initial rescue environment. Notice that in the top-left corner of the
screen, "Rescue mode" appears.

Continue through these dialogs until you are prompted to choose ...

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